"Research Station Operations Senior Officer"

About This Opportunity

As a Research Station Operations Senior Officer you will play an important hands-on role in supporting the daily operations of UQ’s research stations and their critical infrastructure. Working as part of a dedicated and collaborative team, you will help ensure our stations run safely, smoothly, and effectively to enable world-class research and teaching.

Your day-to-day work may include coordinating and delivering:

• Scientific services,
• Boating services,
• Diving services,
• Administration services, and
• Incidental activities.

This position is primarily based at the Heron Island Research Station, reporting to the Research Station Operations Manager (Heron Island). From time to time, you may also have the opportunity to support other UQ research stations and facilities as operational needs arise. A specific roster will be agreed at the contract stage in consultation with the Senior Manager to ensure operational compatibility

If you are seeking a unique role in a remarkable location — one that directly supports impactful marine and environmental research — we would love to hear from you.

Key responsibilities will include:

Scientific Services

• Use and maintain scientific equipment for laboratories, aquaria, and teaching areas, including the safe, ethical, and compliant management of consumables, research and teaching specimens, and waste.
• Provide advice to clients in the use of laboratories, aquaria, and teaching areas available at Heron Island Research Station during planning, delivery, and evaluation stages of activities.

Boating Services

• Use and maintain domestic commercial vessels and associated equipment, including the safe, ethical, and compliant management of consumables, perishables, and waste, consistent with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) requirements of a Vessel Master.
• Provide advice to clients in the use of domestic commercial vessels around Heron Island during planning, delivery, and evaluation stages of activities.

Diving Services

• Use and maintain equipment suitable for the undertaking of diving operations in accordance with AS/NZS 2299 series, including the safe, ethical, and compliant management of consumables, perishables, and waste.
• Provide advice to clients in the undertaking of occupational diving, freediving, and snorkelling around Heron Island during planning, delivery, and evaluation stages of activities.

Administration Services

• Use and maintain provided systems for the booking, purchase, and reconciliation of goods and services available to clients through UQ’s research stations and associated infrastructure.
• Provide advice to clients in the provision of on-site accommodation, transfers to site, and terms and conditions of station booking and use.

Incidental Activities

• Ensure appropriate and adequate compliance with Workplace Health and Safety and related legislation, including performing client site and activity induction processes and monitoring compliance with approved risk assessments.

To view the Position Description in full, please email talent@uq.edu.au

About You

• Undergraduate qualification in marine science, conservation science, business, law, or related disciplines with relevant experience, OR an equivalent combination of relevant experience, education, and training.
• Demonstrated (or ready ability to acquire) knowledge and understanding of applied scientific principles, including in relation to health and safety, animal ethics, and environmental compliance.
• Current holder of (or ready ability to attain and maintain) the necessary qualifications and experience for formal recognition in:
  • Diving operations in accordance with AS/NZS 2299 series.
  • Domestic commercial vessel operations in accordance with Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) requirements.
  • Skills training operations to Certificate IV in Training and Assessment or equivalent.
  • Operation of plant and heavy machinery.
• Demonstrated (or ready ability to acquire) knowledge and understanding of applied business principles, including procurement, service product development, and customer service.
• High level computer literacy skills including the ability to use, or learn to use, software applications associated with analytical instruments and business operations.
• Demonstrated high level of interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to develop and sustain strategic relationships, to work collaboratively and undertake effective consultations with client groups.

Desirable

• Experience working within remote and/or coastal environments.
• Knowledge and experience of the University’s policies, procedures, and systems.

Want to Apply?

We welcome applications from all individuals and are committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. To be considered, please ensure you upload:

• Resume
• A cover letter summarising how your background aligns with the 'About You' section

Applications close 11 January 2026 at 11.00pm AEST (R-59392).